Aiken police have made a second arrest in connection with the shooting death of 42-year-old William Lee Mathis Jr. on Sept 18.
Investigators have charged 17-year-old Tristen Jersey McCarty of Trenton with accessory before the fact to murder and accessory after the fact to murder. McCarty’s arrest follows the initial charge of murder filed against 22-year-old Sabastyen Greene, who turned himself in on Dec. 20.
Authorities say that McCarty was the driver a white 2000 Ford Explorer and drove Greene to the scene of the crime. After the vehicle passed the victim who was riding a bicycle, Greene tried to rob Mathis and then shot him in the chest, a warrant says. McCarty was stopped and waited for Greene before and after the incident. He then allowed the co-defendant back into the vehicle and fled the scene, driving to the codefendant’s residence, police said.
The tragic shooting occurred near the intersection of Columbia Avenue and Chesterfield Street, where officers responded to a health and safety check and found Mathis suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite being transported to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Mathis later died from his injuries.
Witnesses reported hearing a gunshot on the evening of Sept. 18, followed by a person fleeing the scene into a vehicle. A cup recovered at the scene, along with DNA evidence that did not match Mathis, led investigators to suspect a second individual might be involved. Police also found Mathis’ wallet on the scene, which helped identify him.
Greene faces charges of murder and weapon possession in relation to Mathis’ death.
The department has stressed the importance of community cooperation in solving crimes. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Aiken Department of Public Safety at 803-642-7620 or submit an anonymous tip via the CrimeTip system on the City of Aiken’s website.